The annual release of Christmas films always comes with something for any fan of the holiday season. This year’s lineup is just as packed with soon-to-be holiday favourites, including these five.

1. A Castle for Christmas

Image: Netflix

Warm and fuzzy feelings abound in A Castle for Christmas, as Brooke Shields stars as Sophie Brown, a legendary author escaping scandal by heading to Scotland. While there, she falls in love with a castle owned by Duke Myles (Cary Elwes), but she must meet the duke’s unusual demands in order to own it.

Full of snowy horseback rides, tartan plaid kilts, and twinkling Christmas lights, this Netflix film oozes romance.

2. A Gift from Bob

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Though it made its debut last year, A Gift From Bob has only made it to streaming services this year. This biographical drama is the sequel to A Street Cat Named Bob, which was based on the true story of struggling busker James Bowen and stray ginger cat Bob. Gift focuses on the pair’s last Christmas together and what happens when animal welfare agents threaten to take Bob away.

3. Single All the Way

Image: Netflix

Another light-hearted rom-com, Single All the Way follows the story of Peter (Michael Urie) as he visits family during the holidays, accompanied by his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) who pretends to be his boyfriend. Shenanigans ensue when Peter discovers his mother has set up a blind date between Peter and her spinning instructor.

The film also comes as the first gay holiday romantic comedy to be distributed by streaming giant Netflix, and has received praise for Urie and Chambers’ chemistry.

4. A Boy Called Christmas

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For those looking for a nostalgic holiday flick, A Boy Called Christmas could be a perfect match. The family-friendly film presents an origin story about Father Christmas, with narration by Dame Maggie Smith. The tale follows Nikolas, a boy who goes on an adventure with a talkative mouse and magical reindeer and discovers the fabled village of Elfheim.

5. Silent Night

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A darker take on the classic holiday genre, Silent Night stars Keira Knightly as Nell, who celebrates Christmas with her children and extended family with the knowledge that it will be their last night on earth. 

The star-studded cast is rounded out by Lily-Rose Depp, Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit), Matthew Goode (The Imitation Game), and Annabelle Wallis (The Tudors), among other familiar faces.

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